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Magnetic Compass Orientation and Homing in Newts
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Newts used in behavioral studies of shoreward magnetic compass orientation
and homing orientation are held in water-filled outdoor tanks with an artificial
shore at one end. Groups held in tanks with shores in different directions are
used to distinguish shoreward compass orientation from orientation in the home direction.
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| Newts are tested in a visually-symmetrical
indoor arena in one of four symmetrical magnetic
field alignments (see text); each newt is tested
only once. A newt is removed by hand from the
outdoor tank, transported into the testing building
in a water-filled container enclosed in a black
cloth bag, and then placed in a release device
in the center of the arena in total darkness.
The observer then exits the test room and the
newt is released by means of a hydraulic mechanism
after a 60 second delay. |
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A newt's directional response is recorded at the point where it first contacts a 20 cm radius circle
centered on the release device. [Newt is shown approaching the 10 cm radius circle.] |
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A newt's movements are observed through the Plexiglas floor of the arena by means of a video camera
located ~ 3 m away. The camera is pointed at a 45 degree mirror positioned below the arena (see above). In this photograph a newt
is being tested under long-wavelength light (> 500 nm). |
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